Celebrations related to the anniversary of regaining independence took place throughout Poland. About 40,000 people took part in the march taking place in the capital. There was a tragic accident on the S8 expressway, in which a child died and six people were taken to hospitals. Avalanche warning number one is in force in the Tatra Mountains, and difficult conditions also prevail in the Beskids. Here are six things to know on November 12.
1. Colorful celebration of Independence Day
We celebrated the 105th anniversary of regaining independence throughout Poland. In Szczecin, among others, displays of military equipment on Wały Chrobrego, singing patriotic songs together in Nadratowski Park, family workshops and film screenings in the former “Delfin” cinema, runs and a bicycle rally. Several thousand participants walked through the streets of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot on Saturday. Colorful parades and runs were organized in cities to celebrate National Independence Day. The inhabitants of Poznań also celebrated on Saturday at patriotic celebrations, during the independence march, but above all on the streets in the city center. On November 11, the city celebrates not only Independence Day, but also the name day of św. Marcin Street.
Celebration of the name day of Saint Marcin Street in PoznańPAP/Jakub Kaczmarczyk
2. A march of nationalists passed through the capital
After 2.30 p.m., the march left the Dmowski roundabout and ended around 5 p.m. on the grounds of the National Stadium. Some streets in the immediate vicinity of the march were closed to drivers and pedestrians. According to the city hall, “approximately 40,000 participants” took part in the event. After 1 p.m., march participants began to gather near the Dmowski roundabout. Many of them had red and white armbands, others had cotillions pinned to their jackets. Some also wore wreaths and hats in national colors. At the head of the march was a truck with European Union and rainbow flags attached to the back, which were pulled along the road.
READ ALSO: Rafał Trzaskowski about the turnout during the nationalists’ march and the course of the meeting
3. Tragic accident on S8
A child died in an accident involving four cars on the S8 route near Mszczonów. Six injured people were transported to hospital. The road towards Warsaw was blocked for many hours. Rescue helicopters were unable to land at the accident site due to poor weather conditions.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the town of Wymysłów. Our reporter found that the first information from the police shows that the driver driving towards Katowice lost control of the steering wheel, destroyed the barriers, drove into the opposite lane and collided with vehicles moving towards the capital.
4. The first flight of the B-21 Raider – the world’s only sixth-generation bomber
The world’s only sixth-generation bomber, the American B-21 Raider, made its first flight, Reuters reports, citing photos taken by witnesses. The B-21 is the first new model of an American bomber in over 30 years.
The US army did not officially announce the first flight of the new machine, but the futuristic B-21 was recorded in the air by witnesses. A Reuters source said that despite the lack of official information, several dozen aviation enthusiasts and amateur photographers gathered near the Plant 42 aviation plant.
READ ALSO: First flight of the B-21 Raider. This machine will be the core of the US air force’s bomber forces
B-21 Raider bomber flight in California Reuters
5. Avalanche one in the Tatra Mountains, difficult conditions also in the Beskids
Tourist conditions in the Beskids are difficult. The trails are slippery and muddy, and there is snow on the top of Babia Góra – rescuers from the Beskidzka GOPR Group reported on Saturday. The first level of avalanche danger was announced in the Tatra Mountains. Tatra Volunteer Emergency Service introduced the first level of avalanche danger. It applies at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. It means that the snow cover is generally well bonded and stable. Triggering an avalanche is generally only possible with a large additional load, in a few places on very or extremely steep slopes. Small and medium-sized avalanches can occur spontaneously.
Difficult conditions for hiking on the weekend also exist in the Beskids. As rescuers from the Beskidzka Group of the Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service reported on Saturday morning, “the trails are muddy and slippery.” Visibility was limited in the higher parts: on Leskowiec it was 50 meters, and on Hala Miziowa – 100 m.
6. The lighthouse in Kołobrzeg will undergo a thorough renovation
It will be repaired, among others: construction of the wall, renovation of the bastion, fort tower, lantern tower and electrical repair. The works will cost over PLN 5.7 million. The historic building was built in 1945.
The cost of the work, scheduled for 280 days, is over PLN 5.7 million, including PLN 5 million in government funding.
Main photo source: PAP PAP/Leszek Szymański